Missouri Valley sources have warned to be on the lookout for Drake, which hasn't skipped a beat under new Ben McCollum. He's brought transfers from D-II power NW Missouri State with him, including the three top Bulldogs scorers (G Bennett Stirtz at 17.3 ppg; F Daniel Abreu at 15.1 ppg; G Mitch Mascari at 14.1 ppg). Drake has thus opened the season 7-0 and won the Charleston Tourney two weeks ago, dealing SEC Vanderbilt its only loss in the process. Meanwhile we are skeptical of Valpo and its 4-3 record because we've seen the Beacons outclassed by Liberty and DePaul, and wins all vs. very suspect opposition. Shooting only 43% FGs and 31% triples won't beat good foes, either. Play Drake